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Steven Spielberg advising Nancy Pelosi on rebranding Democrats

By
Rachel Weiner

Updated: 12/23/10 9:34 a.m.

Midway through Philip Rucker and Paul Kane's story about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's transition to minority leader comes an interesting bit of news. The California Democrat, vilified by Republicans in the last election, has turned to director Steven Spielberg for help rebranding House Democrats.

Lawmakers say she is consulting marketing experts about building a stronger brand. The most prominent of her new whisperers is Steven Spielberg, the Hollywood director whose films have been works of branding genius. Lawmakers said Spielberg has not reported to Pelosi with a recommendation.

But, the news that he is advising the leading Democrat in the House on building a strong party brand would seem to be a different -- and more expansive -- role than Spielberg has played in the past.

A spokesperson for Spielberg put out a statement that many news organizations are taking as a flat-out denial. "Reports Of Nancy Pelosi Seeking Branding Help From Steven Spielberg Appear False" was the headline on Mediate, which went on to lament that "the follow-up correction won't get near as big a splash as the original report."

Outlets from the New York Daily News to the Guardian reported that Spielberg was not advising Pelosi. However, nothing in the statement contradicts the Post's reporting. It's a classic non-denial denial.

"Today's story regarding Nancy Pelosi made a reference to Steven Spielberg that requires a response," wrote Marvin Levy. "I can say as a long-time spokesman for Steven that he has made it his career to direct actors, not political figures." Levy did not actually comment on whether Pelosi had consulted with the director on Democratic rebranding.